S&W 342 Variations

I'm considering purchasing a light .38 snubbie and am growing particularly fond of the 342. I'm having trouble finding good data regarding exactly what models and specifications were available. So far, I've seen these variations:

342PD - Black, 10.8oz, Aluminum frame with Titanium cylinder according to Gunblast.
342 Titanium - Silver in color, similar to the 342PD (so I read somewhere) other than the color and the slightly heavier untrimmed Aluminum frame, ~11oz?
M&P342 - Similar in appearance to the 342PD but with M&P rather than PD on the frame, listed as having a Scandium frame and a Steel cylinder, weighing 13.3oz in the one place I saw one.

After some searching, I have some questions: Some of the sources didn't seem particularly reliable; are these brief descriptions fairly accurate? I'm also aware of the 340PD in .357, but has Smith & Wesson produced any other DAO .38 revolvers lighter than the 442/642? Are any of the Titanium or Scandium .38 revolvers more abundant or less expensive on the used market?

I understand that the 442 and 642 are good and light, but at this point I'm not yet looking for opinions on which is better; just looking for data.

I was interested in the 342 due to its extremely light weight. However, they are not currently in production so they are only found used.
S&W only makes the 340 Airlight variants anymore, .357 Magnum.
Why would anyone own a 642/442 Airweight when they could have the lighter 340s? Well the price difference is probably #1. Go to www.budsgunshop.com and they have a special right now on the 642 without the lock. $360 with rebate I believe?
The lighter 340s usually cost around $800 new and over $600 used.

1/7GRUNT

January 19, 2011, 12:11 PM

BTW I own a 442. I like it just fine for dropping in my pocket, its not too heavy at all for me. About 1 pound loaded. I bought it about 3 years ago for $450. Price is even better now.

tomkatz

January 19, 2011, 03:00 PM

There are some pre-lock 342 guns in .38 out there too. I got this one for $429.00 at a local shop. Looked to be unfired. I still carry the 642, but these are pretty cool :cool:.